Anyone heard any rumors of a new level between Diamond Plus and Pinnacle called Black Diamond? Not sure if it is true or if so how many points you need to get there, but there is a rumor of a new level.

Black diamond would probably refer to skiing, where black diamond is a very difficult area(to get to in this case).
I would say not to even think about skiing a black diamond run unless you have 10-15 years experience, so the cruise equivalent of being brand loyal of 10-15 years would probably be this level.

I have heard "Black Diamond" being tossed around. It would be nice to have a level between Plus and Pinnacle.

At the end of the day it does not matter what level I'm at. If I have a great cruise does not matter if I'm Platinum or Pinnacle. The 3 perks that I use as a Diamond member does not make or break the cruise.

__________________CQ's Cruise Resume

Vision Of The Seas
Independence Of The Seas x2
Allure Of The Seas
Carnival Breeze
Oasis Of The Seas x3
Liberty Of The Seas x4
Freedom Of The Seas x3
Navigator Of The Seas x2
Explorer Of The Seas x2
Voyager Of The Seas
Enchantment Of The Seas
Rhapsody Of The Seas
Majesty Of The Seas
Monarch Of The Seas
Sovereign Of The Seas
Celebrity Mercury
Carnival Victory

The tipping point between Diamond Plus and Pinn. is really around the 350 points mark. I could see them adding a level between 350-700. I'm sure something will come from this; the gap is pretty deep and may warrant another refresh.

1. Priority boarding - I like being on the shorter line at check in...

2. Diamond Lounge - I like to have my one Cosmo (light on the liquor) before dinner.

3. Internet minutes - I prefer to do a quick check and delete emails on a daily basis onboard rather then getting home and going through 500 emails.

__________________CQ's Cruise Resume

Vision Of The Seas
Independence Of The Seas x2
Allure Of The Seas
Carnival Breeze
Oasis Of The Seas x3
Liberty Of The Seas x4
Freedom Of The Seas x3
Navigator Of The Seas x2
Explorer Of The Seas x2
Voyager Of The Seas
Enchantment Of The Seas
Rhapsody Of The Seas
Majesty Of The Seas
Monarch Of The Seas
Sovereign Of The Seas
Celebrity Mercury
Carnival Victory

I am at the Diamond Plus level, so, at least for the time being, I get to use both the Concierge Lounge and the Diamond Lounge, which have become more alike than different in the past couple of years. However it is pretty much assured that when RCI finishes installing stand alone Diamond Lounges on all the older ships, they will make the Concierge Lounge gold card access only - meaning only those in suites and Pinnacle Club members will be able to use them. But then the Diamond Lounges also have a designated concierge, the free evening cocktails, coffee machine, etc., so it really isn't that big of deal to me, if and when it happens.

I get 45 minutes free internet, and so does my wife, so having a combined 90 minutes is a nice perk.

The biggest perk for me is probably the discount I get for a balcony or suite, and the D+ and Pinnacle members have the same amounts for this discount. It ranges from $125 to $350 based on when you booked the cruise, and the length of the cruise. So, since I booked the maiden voyage of Anthem Of The Seas the other day and it is 15 days long, I got $350 off the cruise fare.

1. Priority boarding - I like being on the shorter line at check in...

2. Diamond Lounge - I like to have my one Cosmo (light on the liquor) before dinner.

3. Internet minutes - I prefer to do a quick check and delete emails on a daily basis onboard rather then getting home and going through 500 emails.

On some cruises the free laundry comes in handy especially if you have been on land a few days before the ship leaves and on crossing cruises. Of course the priority disembarkation is a joke as everyone except Gold is included. And when you get high enough the lunch with an officer is nice, so you can get the latest news and the extra amenities in the cabin is nice

The priority debarkation has indeed become a joke as far as it being a perk. I remember when it was Diamond and above, plus suites, and they sort of enforced it. Now it is everyone who is a C&A member. At last count, RCI had around 7 million C&A members.

If they create a new level, they'll have to make it worth while to achieve; like any other level. So, I would have to guess that they would enhance amenities in some areas and restrict in others. I'd agree that the double lounge access for diamond plus and diamond will probably happen at some point. I'd be disappointed in this change as their is a difference between the two lounges on Allure. The physical room for the conceige lounge on allure is totally nicer; two floors; floor to ceiling windows overseeing the boardwalk, etc. Whereas the Diamond Club is inside overlooking the royal promenade.